School Guidance Counselor - Middle School ($61,411 - $117,009) DOE - Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

JOB SUMMARY:

The Tribal School Guidance Counselor provides culturally appropriate and effective student, individual and group academic counseling and guidance activities. The Guidance Counselor works with students on vocational and career development and on personal and social growth activities. The Guidance Counselor is expected to work cooperatively with the Muckleshoot Community and Tribal School staff in the development of counseling and guidance activities that meet the individual and unique needs of the Tribal School students and community. The Tribal School Guidance Counselor reviews and monitors student academic programs; transcripts and assessments. The Tribal School Guidance Counselor ensures that student grades and credits are recorded correctly. The Tribal School Guidance Counselor provides instruction in related guidance areas and provides support to teachers and students.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work with students to provide culturally appropriate and effective student (individual and group) counseling and guidance activities for academic and personal growth, as well as social, emotional and academic needs.

2. Assist in the preparation of student course selections by gathering necessary data and supporting students to take courses that will meet graduation requirements and courses that will help students develop the skills to be a productive part of the workforce.

3. Work as a partner with Family Advocate, Parent Liaison, Parent Education Coordinator, School Administration to access community resources on a daily basis to meet individual student needs and to assist students to meet their personal, educational and behavioral goals.

4. Implement a cohesive guidance program that meets the social, emotional, academic and cultural needs of students enrolled.

5. Facilitate a peer-based emotional support network or “buddy system” for enrolled students.

6. Provide leadership in care team meetings and serve as an advocate for students communicating academic, social, emotional and/or cultural needs that may be affecting students’ success in school.

7. Coordinate, interpret and communicate student academic history and assessments with students, parents and teachers as appropriate while ensuring compliance with Bureau and State requirements.

8. Facilitate a state of the art academic advising and career center – a one stop place serving students of all grade levels. The center will distribute internship, mentorship information and job listings, as well as provide guidance on job seeking, interviewing skills and career guidance. The center will facilitate courses on college entrance exams, college applications, transferable credits and financial aid. The center will host regular site visits to local colleges and university campuses, with transportation and guided tours.

9. Maintains a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and information. May perform routine clerical tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, filing, faxes and photocopying.

10. Attends and participates in required staff meetings and other activities as requested.

11. Performs a feasibility study together with Transition Specialist on internship/mentorship opportunities for students of all grade levels. The study should investigate opportunities for partnerships as well as any possible liabilities or challenges.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:

Required: Master’s Degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work or related field, Four (4) years experience as a School Counselor, Three (3) years experience working with youth in a native community, Washington State Teaching Certificate.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

1. Ability to maintain strong, productive relationships in a positive, confident and culturally sensitive manner with other staff, parents, students and community.

2. Knowledge of community resources and school options in the Muckleshoot area – public and tribal

3. Proficiency in necessary equipment to perform job including computer, copy machine, fax machine and telephone

4. Effective oral and written communication with parents/guardians, students, staff, administrators and community members that demonstrate awareness of the unique environment in which she/ he will be working.

5. Ability to maintain confidentiality in matters relating to school, students and families.

6. Ability to work independently, prioritizing workload and adapting to changes in work load demands

7. Ability to work under pressure, to pay attention to detail, to concentrate, to follow directions and work independently.

8. Ability to learn and work within a native community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this class. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to walk, drive a motor vehicle and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Licenses or Certifications Required:A valid Washington State driver’s license is required at the time of appointment or at a time set by the Tribe. Washington State Teaching Certificate is required at the time of appointment.